Feeling loved is key to a child's healthy development. There are many ways to show you care that go beyond candy and cards. Here are 14 tips for Valentines Day—or any day.
1. Cue the Cuddles
From the moment they're born, little ones love being held, cuddled and caressed. Along with gentle touches your child gets when you feed, diaper and rock them, consider adding add
baby massage to your care routine. It's a simple way to make your infant feel safe, secure and cared for.
In fact, research shows that physical touch is also essential to a child's health and emotional development. From gentle hugs and cuddles to holding your child's hand or patting their back, touch sends a wordless message of warmth and reassurance. It can let your child know they are loved and cherished, no matter how old they are.
2. Share the Love of Reading
Start
reading to your child beginning in infancy. Many studies show that reading together strengthens parent-child bonds and promotes positive parenting. Plus, when you read to or with your child, you help them build a foundation for success in school, which is linked to long-term wellness.
3. Think Hugs First
When your child is angry, acting out or in a bad mood, try not to take it personally. Calm your own emotions first, perhaps by taking a deep breath, and then give a quick hug, cuddle, pat, secret nod or other sign of affection. Once they are also calm and feeling better, consider talking with them about the event and how they might better manage those strong emotions next time.
4. Discipline With Love
Use positive, non-violent
discipline. Harsh physical and verbal punishments don't work and can damage long-term physical and mental health. From an early age, provide clear and consistent rules that your children can understand. Give praise when they follow them—not just punishment when they don't. Calmly explain consequences and follow through right away when rules are broken.
5. Hold Time Together Dear
Mark game nights or other family activities on your calendar so that everyone can look forward to enjoying time together. Plan some outdoor fun together or time at home
playing and connecting as a family. Also be sure to carve out one-on-one time with each of your kids regularly to do something they enjoy. Try to put away cell phones, tablets and other
media devices during these special times and really focus on each other. When media is part of the plan, like a family movie night, co-viewing can be a great conversation starter.
6. Embrace Health & Safety
Show how much you care by taking your children to the doctor regularly for
well-child care visits. Make sure they are up-to-date on vaccines to protect them against infectious diseases, including COVID-19, flu, and other recommended immunizations. Teach them how to be safe from injuries, provide a healthy and nutritious diet, and encourage good amounts of
sleep and
exercise to help them grow healthy and strong. Create a
safe home environment, and use
seat belts or car seats every time you are in a vehicle.
7. Choose Words with Care
Use plenty of positive and encouraging words when talking with your child. Model consideration and gratitude by saying “please" and "thank you." Skip the sarcasm, mockery and put-downs, even if teasing. Children often don't understand your purpose. Even if they do, these messages can harm self-esteem and create negative ways of talking and connecting with each other.
8. Forgive Mistakes, Including Your Own
If you lose your cool and react harshly to your child, apologize and explain how you will handle the situation in the future. Be sure to keep your promise. Also forgive yourself. No one is perfect. Understanding how to forgive is important for your child to accept their own
mistakes as well, and build
confidence and
resilience. Love for children starts with the love and grace we show ourselves.
9. Care for the Earth
Spend time together in nature when you can, exploring ways to appreciate and protect it. Taking steps to care for the environment will show your children how you care about their future. Many children and teens hear about or experience climate-change-fueled disasters such as
wildfires and severe storms. Talk with them about their concerns in a way that is honest, hopeful and solution oriented. For tips, see Talking With Children About Climate Change.
10. Cook Up Cherished Moments
One of the best ways to teach your children about healthy
food choices and enjoy each other's company is to cook together. Involve them in the entire process, from planning the menus to shopping for ingredients to preparing and serving the meal. Family meals are a great opportunity to talk and connect. Put away any electronic devices, including your own phone.
11. Foster Friendships
Help your child develop positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the
community. Teach them about the value of
kindness. Encourage your child to be involved in activities that require teamwork, such as
sports. Get to know your child's friends and talk about responsible and respectful relationships.
12. Have Heart-to-Heart Conversations
Ask your child "How was your day?" and actively listen to the answer. Be available when your child wants to talk, even if it's not the best time for you. If they tell you about a challenge they are facing, let them finish the story before helping them solve the problem. With an ongoing national emergency in youth mental health, many kids are struggling. If you see signs of
anxiety or depression talk with your pediatrician. (See "How to Talk About Mental Health With Your Child and Their Pediatrician.")
13. Tell Your Child You Love Them No Matter Who They Love
Tell your teen they can talk with you about any crushes they may have. This is a good opportunity to talk about dating, relationships,
gender identity and sexual activity. We can make sure our children understand how to respect their bodies and others, that "no means no."
14. Share These 3 Words Without Limit
Remember, all children want their parent's attention, no matter their age. Make time every day to talk. Young people are more likely to make healthy choices if they stay connected with family members.
And don't forget to say "I love you" to your children on February 14—and many more times as they grow up. They are never too old to hear it.